Official Dinner of the World Forum on Sport and Culture

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the official dinner of the World Forum on Sport and Culture held in Tokyo.

The Prime Minister said in his address,

“Good evening. I am Shinzo Abe.

I am very pleased to see all of you at tonight’s official dinner. I extend my heartfelt welcome to you all on behalf of the Government of Japan and the people of Japan.

I hope you enjoyed today’s forum. This forum features leaders from their respective fields who have gathered together to discuss ideas and create new value. Above all, I am very pleased to have this opportunity to spend time with all of you here tonight and discuss the future together.

A little earlier today I presented a Japanese Olympian with the People’s Honor Award. Ms. Kaori Icho was recognized for her extra effort and intensive training that enabled her to win four straight individual-event gold medals at the Olympics, the first woman in history to do so.

She is the pride of Japan. Ms. Icho gave great inspiration and courage to all in Japan, as well as bright hope.This has shown us once again that sport has the power to make people happy.

Ms. Icho is also with us tonight, wearing an outstanding traditional Japanese kimono. I hope this paves the way for an increase in sales of traditional Japanese clothing.

It will soon be Japan’s turn to be the setting for inspiration as Tokyo is preparing to host the Olympics in four years and the Rugby World Cup one year before that.

We are committed to making the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games a venue where top athletes from around the world will give their best performances, where we will share our dreams and hopes as well as aspirations for peace with the world.

A quintessential part of Japan is the concept of omotenashi, or hospitality, which has been passed down for generations and is still deeply rooted in our culture. We look forward to welcoming athletes and people from around the world with this warm hospitality.

I hope to take this opportunity this evening to share our dreams and hopes for 2020 and beyond, as well as deepen our friendship with all of you. I would like to conclude my address by extending my best wishes for your health and prosperity.